> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nolongerevil.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Delete Device

> Remove a device from your account

## Overview

Permanently remove a device from your account. This action cannot be undone.

<Warning>
  **Hosted service only.** This endpoint is part of the hosted API at `https://nolongerevil.com/api/v1` and requires an `nle_` API key. It is **not available** on the self-hosted server.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **This action is irreversible!** The device will be unlinked from your account and will need to be reclaimed using an entry key.
</Warning>

## Endpoint

```
DELETE https://nolongerevil.com/api/v1/thermostat/{deviceId}
```

## Authentication

**Required Scopes**: `write`

**Additional Requirement**: Must be the device owner (not just shared access)

## Request

### Path Parameters

| Parameter  | Type   | Required | Description         |
| ---------- | ------ | -------- | ------------------- |
| `deviceId` | string | Yes      | Device ID to delete |

### Headers

| Header          | Value                          | Required |
| --------------- | ------------------------------ | -------- |
| `Authorization` | `Bearer nle_your_api_key_here` | Yes      |

### Example Request

```
DELETE /api/v1/thermostat/dev_abc123xyz
Authorization: Bearer nle_your_api_key_here
```

## Response

### Success Response (200 OK)

```json theme={null}
{
  "success": true,
  "message": "Device deleted successfully"
}
```

### Error Responses

#### 403 Forbidden

```json theme={null}
{
  "error": "Only device owners can delete devices"
}
```

**Cause**: You have shared access to this device but are not the owner.

**Solution**: Only the device owner can delete it. If you want to remove your access, ask the owner to revoke the share.

#### 404 Not Found

```json theme={null}
{
  "error": "Device not found"
}
```

**Cause**: Device ID doesn't exist or you don't have access to it.

## Code Examples

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  curl -X DELETE https://nolongerevil.com/api/v1/thermostat/dev_abc123xyz \
    -H "Authorization: Bearer nle_your_api_key_here"
  ```

  ```javascript JavaScript theme={null}
  async function deleteDevice(deviceId) {
    const response = await fetch(
      `https://nolongerevil.com/api/v1/thermostat/${deviceId}`,
      {
        method: 'DELETE',
        headers: {
          'Authorization': 'Bearer nle_your_api_key_here'
        }
      }
    );

    if (!response.ok) {
      throw new Error(`Failed to delete device: ${response.status}`);
    }

    return await response.json();
  }

  // Usage with confirmation
  if (confirm('Are you sure you want to delete this device?')) {
    await deleteDevice('dev_abc123xyz');
    console.log('Device deleted successfully');
  }
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  def delete_device(device_id):
      response = requests.delete(
          f'https://nolongerevil.com/api/v1/thermostat/{device_id}',
          headers={'Authorization': 'Bearer nle_your_api_key_here'}
      )
      response.raise_for_status()
      return response.json()

  # Usage with confirmation
  if input('Delete device? (yes/no): ').lower() == 'yes':
      delete_device('dev_abc123xyz')
      print('Device deleted')
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## What Happens After Deletion

When you delete a device:

1. **Device is unlinked** from your account
2. **All shares are revoked** - users with shared access lose access
3. **Device settings persist** - temperature, schedule, etc. remain on the device
4. **Device remains functional** - continues operating with last known settings
5. **Can be reclaimed** - Generate a new entry key on the thermostat to reclaim it

## Use Cases

### Device Replacement

```javascript theme={null}
// When replacing an old thermostat
async function replaceDevice(oldDeviceId, newEntryKey) {
  // Delete old device
  await deleteDevice(oldDeviceId);

  // Claim new device
  await claimDevice(newEntryKey);
}
```

### Selling/Moving

```javascript theme={null}
// When selling your home or moving out
async function removeAllDevices() {
  const { devices } = await listDevices();

  for (const device of devices) {
    if (device.accessType === 'owner') {
      await deleteDevice(device.id);
      console.log(`Deleted ${device.name || device.serial}`);
    }
  }
}
```

## Reclaiming a Deleted Device

To reclaim a device after deletion:

1. On the thermostat: Settings → Nest App → Get Entry Code
2. In dashboard: Add Device → Enter the entry code
3. Device will be linked to your account again

<Tip>
  Before deleting a device, consider if you just want to transfer ownership instead. Contact support for ownership transfer assistance.
</Tip>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="List Devices" icon="list" href="/api-reference/v1/devices">
    View all your devices
  </Card>

  <Card title="Get Status" icon="chart-line" href="/api-reference/v1/get-status">
    Check device status
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="key" href="/api-reference/authentication">
    Manage API keys
  </Card>
</CardGroup>